I am in need of the S2K communities help. My wife and I are now expected out first kid and with me using the S2K as my primary car it looks as though it may be time to sell it and move into something that can have a car seat in the back. I have looked into buying a second car and just using a beater to get around but I just cant justify making a car payment on something that sits in the garage for weeks on end. So I need your help narrowing it down to a good replacement. I have a couple needs out the new car though...

It must be sporty, and fun to drive on the street and track twice a year
It must have 4 doors
I only have a budget of 15K so I know that it is going to be used
Lastly something that will be close to as reliable as the S2K.

So far I have come up with a older 3 Series and a older WRX

 

Find a nice stg 3 B5 S4 for that amount

 

SURE! because that will be super easy to maintain and parts will be cheap


A WRX will kid well. Just find a clean one!

 

If it is a clean one not a wreak most of the problem areas would have been taken care of just saying its a awesome car if done right.

 

would an used 3- series be cheap to maintain?

would you consider a 2-door with back seats?

what about a MazdaSpeed 3, used? are they now in the $15-17 range for used? i have no clue.

I'll keep thinking, and i think of some, i'll post here

Congrats on the baby!

 

2003-2004 Evo's are now in that price range now. Might be worth trying to find out

 

I don't think a 3 series would be good for your situation. They are a hit or miss with reliability. I would definitely look more into the Subaru's or a mazdaspeed 3 as mentioned. The speed 3 could be had for 15k with low mileage from what I've seen. The only thing is the front wheel drive, if that isn't an issue then it's a great car for a dd that could be tracked and modified. Maybe even find an e36 m3, but I can't remember if they came in sedan as well.

 

Yea I am really concerned about the cost to upkeep the BMW as compared to anything else. I looked at the Mazda 3 and was not really impressed, but the RX8 was way more fun to drive and had the small doors, it might be a good compromise. I also took a look the Lexus IS300 and the IS 250 which I think I might be able to find in my range but I am not sure what the costs of upkeep would be on something like that.

 

MS3 would be awesome.

Also throwing out the option of the Honda Civic Si sedan. You could find an FA5 in good shape within that price range. 200HP from the K20Z3 with fuel cutoff at 8300 RPM. It will baby. Has all the anchors and stuff needed for a child seat.

 

i totally forgot the RX-8 and the Lexus IS300. test drive the RX8 before you pull the trigger...was thinking of one a few years ago, my wife test drove it, and hated it.

IS300, which I drove before, is a fun sport sedan. and very reliable..not sure about insurance but i think its very reliable.

what about last gen Acura TL or TSX? if you can find one with a 6-speed manual, may be a fun little sedan, bullet proof, but FWD...